The Old Ship Hotel is just across from the sea and appears as if it once had a grand feel, but has passed its prime. The Regency-style building features numerous bay windows and a street-level terrace extending its length. Here, the clientele of couples and friends are often seen drinking or dining underneath simple beige umbrellas. This property claims to be the oldest hotel in Brighton with parts of the building dating back to 1559. Violinist Niccolo Paganini stayed here in the 19th century and today the hotel maintains a grand ballroom in his name. Another historic highlight is the private-dining cellar, around 400 years old. As for decor, it varies between modern and dated in public areas and rooms, making for a mixed experience among guests. The lobby has an elegant feel, with an antique wood desk, framed historic photography, and floral-patterned carpeting. However, the restaurant and bar have an odd mix of new and tired elements, like a wall-sized carnival photograph and bland maroon carpet. The hotel has tentative plans to renovate the remaining rooms, but for the time being, inconsistent decor and maintenance issues get in the way of what could be a lovely property with an intriguing past. 

The Old Ship Hotel is about as “beachfront” as any hotel can get in Brighton. It’s located across a busy street from the beach in a lively area filled with restaurants, bars, and shopping. The Brighton Pier takes five minutes to reach on foot. The city's cultural quarter is also nearby, including the Royal Pavilion with its gardens, and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery -- all within 10 minutes' walk. The Churchill Shopping Center, a mall with stores and eateries, is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. There’s a bus stop in front of the hotel (Ship Street station) and the Brighton train station takes 16 minutes to reach on foot. It’s about 45 minutes to Gatwick Airport from the property, by car or train. Central London is an 80-minute train ride or about two hours by car. 

There's a pretty wide disparity in room quality here. Only 30 of the 154 rooms have been renovated as of spring 2016. The newer rooms feel modern and elegant with a light-blue-and-cream color scheme across padded headboards, swallow-print wallpaper, and contemporary wood furniture. The other rooms -- though homey and somewhat classic -- are past their prime with dated carpet and wallpaper, and visible wear and tear in furnishings. Many guests staying in unrenovated rooms have complained of cleanliness and maintenance issues. 

All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and kettles for coffee and tea. However, mini-fridges and air-conditioning are not provided. Many guests report experiencing overheated rooms and being unable to lower the heater. Bathrooms are average, with white (sometimes loose or chipped) tiles and showers or shower/tub combos. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and hairdryers are provided. A lack of hot water can also be an issue, according to guests. 

The largest option is the two-bedroom Master Seaview Suite, which has a separate lounge area. Guests do recommend upgrading to Seaview rooms if possible. With the hotel's location next to the beach and pubs, some rooms can get noisy.

The Old Ship Hotel offers a couple of dining choices, including British and European cuisine at the Steak-on-Sea restaurant, or light bites and drinks at the hotel bar. In the summer, there’s alfresco dining on the restaurant’s patio. A breakfast -- buffet and cooked-to-order -- and afternoon tea with Champagne are offered each day but both cost a fee. Private dining can be arranged in the hotel’s 400-year-old candlelit cellar. There’s also 24-hour room service. The hotel’s gym is renovated and clean, with fairly modern cardio and weight machines as well as lots of free weights. There are 12 fully equipped meeting rooms and ballrooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Limited valet parking is available for a daily fee, and dogs are welcome (for a nightly deposit).